15 Jan Transformation of council maintenance company continues with appointment of permanent MD
A new Managing Director of the council’s maintenance company, HTS, has started work with David Morrissey taking up the role permanently.
David initially joined HTS back in November as its interim Managing Director. He was appointed to the post permanently in December and officially started in the role this week.
David has a strong track record of operational management, innovation, leadership and people management in both public and private sector companies with a particular focus on housing management.
The role of Managing Director leads the operational delivery of HTS with the company providing services for the council such as grass cutting and landscape maintenance, street cleaning, dumped rubbish collection, council housing repairs and maintenance.
Following an external recruitment exercise last year lead by a recruitment consultancy, David appointment was a unanimous decision by the interview panel which included the Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords and the Chair of HTS, Andy Belton.
The council and HTS have been working in recent months to significantly improve performance and operations which has resulted in:
A new Chair and Managing Director appointed
Reducing the backlog in housing repairs by 90%, a significant reduction and ahead of the target set to clear the backlog by the end of the financial year (March 2024)
Overhauling the landscape maintenance and street cleaning programmes
Making significant changes to the operations and performance management
Introducing new governance structures and ways of working
Cutting the average turnaround on empty council homes from 56 days in June to 23 days currently
Customer satisfaction improving to 98%
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“I am delighted that David has now started in the role permanently following a rigorous external recruitment exercise. David brings with him fresh determination and drive to improve HTS and how it operates for the staff and the council, but importantly how it performs for council tenants and residents.
“The recent turnaround in performance at HTS has been impressive from reducing the backlog in housing repairs to making empty homes available for reletting more quickly and we want to see that continue. David and HTS will continue that journey of performance improvements as we work hard together on delivering our priorities to fix council housing, restore pride in Harlow and improve council services.”
Andy Belton, chair of HTS, said:
“David’s appointment is part of a new chapter for HTS and its ongoing transformation. I am delighted David has been appointed as Managing Director, and I look forward to working alongside him and the council as we continue to make operational improvements and enhance our services to the local community.”
David Morrissey, HTS Managing Director, said:
“I am delighted to have officially started work as the permanent Managing Director at HTS. I am looking forward to working together with Harlow Council and HTS colleagues to significantly enhance our environmental, repairs, and planned maintenance services. I believe that the future holds exciting possibilities for HTS and our continued beneficial impact on the homes and facilities provided to the local community.”
